You don’t have to shoot low scores or have the all the latest equipment to appreciate the natural beauty of a golf course. Some of my favorite golf memories are of playing with family and friends. I remember the time I took my daughter to play for the first time. It took us 90 minutes to play 3 holes, but we didn’t care because we were having so much fun. Golf has that unique ability to bring us closer together. What other sport has that kind of effect on people?

I often reflect on what it is I love about the game of golf. Truth be told it’s not just one thing. I love …

… The feeling of hitting a golf ball with the club.

… being on a golf course early in the morning when the sun is coming up.

… playing golf with my kids.

… playing golf with my friends.

… drinking a cold beer out of a frosted mug after a round of golf.

… eating a hot dog from the turn window after nine holes.

… getting a new golf club or pair of golf shoes.

… playing new courses.

… playing old courses.

… playing golf with my shoes off.

… that first round of golf on the first warm spring day.

… the anticipation of hitting a brand new golf ball

… practicing by myself when the sun is going down and I’m the only person on the course.

… it when the ball goes where I intended to hit it.

… it even more when ball goes in the hole.

… the look in a new golfer’s eyes when they connect with a golf shot for the first time.

… driving a golf cart.

… playing a round of golf with just one club.

… knowing that golf has the ability to actually improve someone’s quality of life.

… going on a golf trip with family and/or friends.

… going to a golf tournament.

… that nature is all around you on a golf course.

… that you don’t have to be talented or affluent to enjoy the game.

Another thing I love about golf is that it doesn’t play favorites; it’s not subjective or dependent on judges and referees … your score is your score for better or worse.